I had insulin controlled gd with my last 2 pregnancies. I was induced at 38 weeks with ds1, but the induction failed. I had a failed sweep first because he was not engaged. Then 2 induction pessary things 24 hours apart. Then after a further 24 hours I was offered a c-section which I took, Ds born absolutely fine. He had low blood sugars for about 48 hours and was tube fed (but I had a general anaesthetic and this could be why he was a sleepy feeder)
2nd Ds I opted for an elective section straight off. Born fine regarding gd, but had some minor complications from c-s
Some things I wished I’d known- (may have changed now due to new guidelines)
They can do regular placenta scans to check the placenta isn’t degrading (which is one of the reasons they induce at 38w if you’re on insulin), so induction at 38 w is not always necessary. Research and discuss with your consultant.
The pessary is only to open your cervix enough to break your waters, and isn’t really intended to ‘start your labour’. They can’t break your waters if the baby isn’t engaged, as the flood of water can trap the cord and reduce oxygen to the baby- hence my 1st section. The earlier they induce, the less likely it is to work.
If you’re being induced before 39 weeks (in our area, different in others) they give you a steroid injection which can play havoc with your blood sugars- it means a stay overnight for gd mums (usually), and sorry- but it’s really painful.
If your insulin isn’t well controlled your baby’s blood sugars can drop and those first few hours after they are born they will glucose test them using a little ‘heel prick’, my ds was tested every hour for 24 hours. If you can express any colostrum at all then do, because those little drops really boost their sugars. I had a bad recovery from the anaesthetic and my Ds1 was in neonatal because his sugars dropped very low.
The pre-birth and post birth ward is very noisy and if you have to go in to be induced, pack some earplugs. And a proper china mug so you can have a decent cup of tea. And nhs food for diabetics is awful, very high carb, white toast, cereal etc- pack some diabetes friendly snacks or your sugars can rise ‘unexpectedly’ meaning you might end up having procedures you don’t need.
Aside from that, my babies had no lasting effects either from induction, c section, low sugars after birth, or from gd. I wish I’d been more vocal and found out more info about my options however. It’s hard not to sound all doom and gloom about birth stories so I do apologise- all I can say is, do some research, speak to your consultant and midwife, and try not to worry. Despite my experience, I know that a few days discomfort and a c-section and a healthy baby at the end of it means I’m very lucky. The hospital/midwife were brilliant.